Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to anyone who passed their driving test before 2014. The money saving guru has told motorists to double check the expiry date on their licence or they could face a hefty £1,000 fine.
The star recommended the annual check up as part of his latest Money Saving Expert newsletter. The consumer expert warned motorists with a photocard licence they could be fined up to £1,000 by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they are caught driving past the expiry date on their permit.
He warned up to two million people may have neglected to update their licenses. Drivers were urged to check the date on the front of their card - the '4b' box - to see if it is time to renew, reports Somerset Live.
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Photocard licences are only valid for up to 10 years after they were first issued, reports the Independent.
Martin Lewis wrote: "The cards and products stored in your purse or wallet (even if it’s digital via your phone and watch) are a vivid window on your finances. So each year I like to do an annual check-up of what you’re holstering to see if there’s an easy cash boost.”
While photocards are only valid for a decade, anyone who was issued a paper licence, prior to 1998 when photocards were first introduced, remain valid until the the holder turns turns 70. However, these were abolished in 2015 and are no longer issued.
Paper licences do not need renewing if your details have not changed, though all licences must be in photocard format by 2033. Anyone seeking to renew their photocard can do so via the UK government’s official website, by post or at the post office.
Those looking to switch their licence over need to hold a valid UK passport, reside in Great Britain, not to have been disqualified from driving and be able to show your current licence, or explain why not if you do not have it, as well as your National Insurance number and last three addresses.
There is also a £14 processing fee online and a £17 fee if submitting by post. People over 70 and those with a shot term medical licence are exempt from paying. Once the application has been received, the new licence should be received within a week, the DVLA say.
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